FORT COLLINS, COLO. — The Colorado Sparkler and Fireworks events will take place June 27 through July 3 throughout metropolitan Denver and Northern Colorado. This event, produced by Triple Crown Sports, brings roughly 900 teams representing all 50 states to the largest youth softball event in the world. As the premier fastpitch event of the summer, more than 500 college coaches will be on hand to watch games and actively recruit athletes for their future rosters.

“This will be the 47th year for the Colorado Fireworks, which is the longest-running fastpitch event in the country, and the 14th for the Sparkler,” said Triple Crown Fastpitch Director Elliott Finkelstein. “We are thrilled to bring so many teams and coaches to the Front Range, and there’s plenty to see with more than 3,000 games played on 133 softball fields at 30 different sites. It’s a major endeavor for our staff, but we know nothing is possible without the tremendous support from the City of Aurora, Westminster, Greeley and many other communities.”

In a schedule already filled with plenty of competitive fastpitch, five all-star games highlight some of the week’s top talents. The Sparkler, Sparkler Juniors and Fireworks each have their own all-star showcases in the early part of the week. Players who receive the coveted invitation to an all-star game get yet another opportunity to showcase their talents. All-star teams are also managed by college coaches who are able to give one-on-one instruction.

“Visit Aurora is proud to support the 47th year of the Colorado Fireworks event, and we are excited to welcome thousands of the best youth softball players to Aurora, Colorado,” said Justin Clark, Director of Sales and Marketing for the City of Aurora. “The Aurora Sports Park will host many exciting games over the coming days, and our community will benefit from the many players, coaches and family members who have traveled to our city to be part of this prestigious event.”

Highlighting a week of stellar events is the All-Academic Showcase, slated for Friday, June 30 at the Aurora Sports Park. Comprised of both Sparkler and Fireworks participants, the All-Academic Showcase provides a unique opportunity for high achievers in the classroom and on the softball diamond to present their particular talents.

Three separate camps and clinics are also offered during the week of jam-packed softball. The Unsigned Senior/JUCO Combine and Olympic and Pro Player Clinic, headlined by USA Softball legend Crystl Bustos, represent excellent opportunities for athletes to learn from the best in the game. TC College Camp Sunday (June 26) is a fantastic avenue for girls to receive exposure and instruction. This year’s edition features 29 colleges from Division I to NAIA.

Triple Crown has partnered with ESPN3 this season, and the National Powers Showdown at the Christopher Complex on June 29 at 5 p.m. MT marks the first broadcast on the network. The Best of the Best match-up (7:30 p.m. MT) as well as the Futures Championship and 18u Power Pool Championship games at the Aurora Sports Park on June 30 will air on ESPN3 as well. Those games are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. MT, respectively.

Adding to the barrage of festivities are three festival nights – whether you’re at the Twin Rivers Complex in Greeley on June 27, the Christopher Complex on June 29, or the Aurora Sports Park on June 30, you will be surrounded with an assortment of food and equipment vendors, music and fun.

Three National Pro Fastpitch games are on tap — 7 p.m. MT on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Erie Community Park, Christopher Complex and Aurora Sports Park, respectively. The three-game set features the Dallas Charge versus the Scrap Yard Dawgs (Houston). The Dawgs are headlined by Monica Abbot, who recently signed a million-dollar deal with the franchise, NPF’s first million-dollar contract.